Paver Sand Calculator – Estimate Sand for Paver Base
Calculate sand needed for paver base installation
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter the length and width of your paver area in feet
- Enter the sand depth in inches (default is 1 inch)
- Select your sand type (concrete, mason, or polymeric)
- Click calculate to see cubic yards, tons, and estimated bags needed
Types of Paver Sand
Different types of sand serve different purposes in paver installation:
- Concrete Sand: Coarse sand used as base layer, provides excellent drainage and compaction
- Mason Sand: Finer sand used for leveling bed, creates smooth surface for pavers
- Polymeric Sand: Special sand for joints between pavers, hardens when wet to prevent weeds and erosion
Paver Installation Layers
A proper paver installation typically includes these layers from bottom to top:
- Compacted soil base (native soil or fill)
- Gravel base course: 4-6 inches of crushed stone
- Concrete sand base: 1-1.5 inches for leveling and compaction
- Pavers: Installed on the sand bed
- Polymeric sand: Swept into joints between pavers
Sand Depth Recommendations
The depth of sand needed depends on its purpose:
- Bedding sand (under pavers): 1 to 1.5 inches when compacted
- Joint sand (polymeric): Depth equals paver thickness, typically 1-3 inches
- Never exceed 1.5 inches of bedding sand - too much causes instability
- Allow for 20-30% compaction when calculating pre-compaction depth
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much sand do I need under pavers?
- You typically need 1 to 1.5 inches of compacted sand as a bedding layer under pavers. This calculator helps you determine the volume needed based on your paver area.
- What's the difference between concrete sand and mason sand?
- Concrete sand is coarser and used for the base layer, providing better drainage and stability. Mason sand is finer and used for the leveling bed directly under the pavers.
- When should I use polymeric sand?
- Polymeric sand is used to fill the joints between pavers after installation. It contains polymers that harden when activated with water, helping prevent weed growth and erosion.
- How many 50 lb bags of sand do I need?
- The calculator estimates the number of standard 50 lb bags needed. For a 10x10 patio with 1 inch of sand, you'll need approximately 12-15 bags of sand.
Related Calculators
construction
Air Changes Per Hour Calculator
construction
Area Moment of Inertia Calculator